Barbados will soon begin a mass COVID-19 vaccination program. This move comes in the light of India donating  100,000 doses of the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine to the nation. Over 25,000 people who make up 12.5 percent of the adult population will receive their first shot of the vaccine within just two weeks. The nation will soon lead the way as the most vaccinated country in the Caribbean.

Barbados has been working hard to keep COVID-19 in check 

Prime Minister Mia Amor Mottley addressed the nation saying: “This is a commendable start for a country that really did not have a lot in place for a vaccination programme.” She added that a comprehensive vaccination programme was the fourth step in Barbados’ Covid-19 management plan. Several other steps helped combat the pandemic which includes contact tracing; lab testing; public health protocols such as physical distancing and handwashing; and Operation Seek and Save.

Operation Seek and Save included authorities from the ministry of health and wellness travelling to communities to do public health assessments to capture those who may be unknowingly infected by the virus. Offering them early healthcare was a crucial step. The first wave of vaccinations was distributed to frontline workers as well as the vulnerable population, including the elderly and persons with comorbidities.

During the upcoming mass vaccination programme all citizens over the age of 18 will come forward to get their first dose. The government has also made plans to obtain more doses of the Covid-19 vaccine for persons on island, whether they are citizens or not, by the end of April or early May.

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